Make a Change - Hardcover

Rucker, Rhonda

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1455622753 ISBN 13: 9781455622757

Publisher: Pelican Publishing, 2017

Synopsis

“A fine picture book to sit on the shelf alongside Ruby Bridges’ Through My Eyes.”
— Kirkus

When Marvin asks his mama why they have to stand and wait to take their food home while everyone else can eat at the lunch counter, her answer doesn’t make a lot of sense to him. “When some people look at us, all they see is our skin color.” Despite his fear of the man who told him his kind wasn’t allowed to sit at the lunch counter, Marvin knows that it’s up to him to make a change. Inspired by co-author James “Sparky” Rucker’s childhood, this significant story illuminates the tumultuous history of African Americans. Powerful illustrations and a historical note from the author makes this picture book an excellent educational resource on past and current racial tensions.

About this title

About the Author

Rhonda Lynn Rucker practiced medicine before becoming a full-time musician, author, and storyteller. Rhonda performs with her husband, James "Sparky" Rucker, and their music is on the Grammy-nominated CD, Singing Through the Hard Times. Rhonda's debut novel, Swing Low, Sweet Harriet (Motes Books, 2013) was a Crystal Kite Award finalist. Pelican published her picture book, Make a Change, in 2017. In September 2019, her YA novel, Welcome to Bombingham, will be released. Sparky and Rhonda sell their books at concerts and through their website.

From the Back Cover

“The story in my book happened to my husband, James ‘Sparky’ Rucker, when he was growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee. The people who participated in the civil rights movement were not all famous. They were not all adults and they weren’t all African American. There were many ordinary people, children, teens, whites, and other races who demonstrated.”

—Rhonda Lynn Rucker, author

Seating for Whites Only—that’s the sign Marvin saw as he waited for his fries and burger. “Why won’t they let us sit down?” he asked. His mother could only tell him that some people only saw the color of his skin.

It’s 1960 in Knoxville, Tennessee, and still years before the Civil Rights Act would outlaw segregation in stores and restaurants. But Marvin already understands that it’s just not right. Despite his fear, Marvin knows that it’s up to him to make a change. As he kneels in prayer asking for change, those around him demonstrate that change is already beginning.

Strong images and a historical note from the author make this book an excellent resource for anyone wishing to honestly and openly discuss the racial tensions of the past and those that still confront us today.

From the Inside Flap

“The story in my book happened to my husband, James ‘Sparky’ Rucker, when he was growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee. The people who participated in the civil rights movement were not all famous. They were not all adults and they weren’t all African American. There were many ordinary people, children, teens, whites, and other races who demonstrated.”
—Rhonda Lynn Rucker, author

Seating for Whites Only―that’s the sign Marvin saw as he waited for his fries and burger. “Why won’t they let us sit down?” he asked. His mother could only tell him that some people only saw the color of his skin.

It’s 1960 in Knoxville, Tennessee, and still years before the Civil Rights Act would outlaw segregation in stores and restaurants. But Marvin already understands that it’s just not right. Despite his fear, Marvin knows that it’s up to him to make a change. As he kneels in prayer asking for change, those around him demonstrate that change is already beginning.

Strong images and a historical note from the author make this book an excellent resource for anyone wishing to honestly and openly discuss the racial tensions of the past and those that still confront us today.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pelican Publishing
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1455622753
• ISBN 13: 9781455622757
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32